Should I switch from ASMu to Swan/Dolphin?

[travelbug]

I want to stay on Disney property on the nights of Dec. 26 & 27, before my ressie at BWV starts. I made a ressie at ASMu and the price for a standard room is around $127 (which includes tax). I don't feel very hopeful that any discount codes will come out for those nights or that my AP will get me a discount then, since it is obviously Christmas week.

Today I noticed that Swan and Dolphin are offering a rate of $129 for teachers, nurses, govt. workers, etc. Well, I fit in there. So I went online and inserted my dates for that discount. Sure enough, the $129 rate WILL be available for those nights. With tax, I think it comes to about $143.

Now I'm wondering if I should change my ressie to the Swan or Dolphin. For $16 more per night, I'd have a great location right by Epcot. Nice and close for moving over to BWV also.

Here are my questions:

1. Am I right in assuming that I will probably NOT be able to get a lower rate for my ASMu room than what I was quoted?

2. If I change my ressie, would I be overlooking some drawback in staying at Swan/Dolphin vs. ASMu?

3. I know that Swan and Dolphin aren't owned by Disney, even though they're on WDW property. Do I call Swan/Dolphin directly to make a ressie, or does CRO do ressies for them as a courtesy?

4. Finally, if you were me, would you stick with the All Stars ressie or would you switch to the Swan or Dolphin? If you'd switch, is there any difference between the two or would either one be good?

Sorry this is long, but I'd sure appreciate any advice or help you can offer. Thanks!

 

[Toadi]

I would definitely switch to Swan/Dolphin ... much more convenient with more transportation options. You also need to add $10 per day resort fee to your total cost. Which resort you choose may depend more on the makeup of your group .. adults may like the Swan better; kids may prefer Dolphin, but both are so close that it probably doesn't make much difference. Not sure about possible discounts at ASMU. Use Dreams Unlimited site to make ressies ... they are great!

 

[travelbug]

Thanks for your reply, Toadi! I should have mentioned that I will be staying by myself those first 2 nights. The rest of my group will arrive on the day our BWV ressie starts (we're coming from diff. parts of the country), but I decided to go down 2 days early and enjoy myself bumming around on my own. Besides, my AP is burning a hole in my pocket!

Maybe I'd prefer the Swan then, if it's a little more adult-oriented??

Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[Toadi]

I would choose the Swan. You'd have lots of evening options between the Boardwalk and WS. The time I went 2 days early from my family we were staying at the DI townhouses and I did several spa treatments to "fill my day" .... it was heavenly.

 

[gschmerl]

Definitely switch to the Swan/Dolphin. I agree with using Dreams Unlimited to book. They are great. You can walk to Epcot and MGM from either hotel or take the Friendship boats. Bus service to Mk and AK is great. The Grotto pool is sooo nice and relaxing. The Dolphin is closer to the Grotto Pool and has more opportunities for food on site. The Swan and Dolphin are just right across from each other, so going from one to the other is no big deal. I loved sitting in the lobby of the Dolphin and watching all the activity.

 

[Blondie]

Switch!

The All Star Resorts aren't even in the same league! You're comparing a value resort to a deluxe!

Go for it!!!

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I would definately go with The Swan, and Dreams Unlimited
( DreamsRes). The All Stars are not even in the same league !

Not only that......it will be a smooth transition to The Boardwalk
because it is so close by.

 

[travelbug]

Thanks, everyone, for your advice! Sounds like I should definitely pursue the switch. I appreciate all your thoughts!

 

[princess angel]

without hesitation! switch to the Swan or Dolphin!!!

there is no better location than the Epcot Resorts, especially that you will be by yourself.
You will have the ultimate convenience of walking to Epcot, MGM, and the whole BW right there!
and.. the luxury of the S/D! Deluxe v. Value, for $16 more per night... no question, even if a discount comes out at the AllStars, which it may not since it is smack dab in the midle of Christmas week.
and you dont want to wait incase the Swan Dolphin becomes sold out!

grab it, and dont look back! have a great time!!!

Laura

P.S. - I read your Mauna Lani report! awesome, thanks!

 

[travelbug]

Hey, princess angel, thanks very much! Now I'm getting excited to try out the Swan/Dolphin. Haven't had a chance to call yet, but will try to do so in the next few days.

Appreciate everyone's helpful answers!